Jon P. Ostertag

Jon Phillips Ostertag, 82 of Deckerville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 16, 2023. Born to Oscar and Mildred (Phillips) Ostertag on May 31, 1941 in East Grand Rapids, MI, his formative years took place in Dearborn, MI. The eldest of three children, Jon grew up with his brother Dale and sister Denise, and was always known as a caring and protective big brother. Upon graduating from Edsel Ford High School in 1959, Jon took classes at Henry Ford Community College before enrolling at Michigan State University. His call to duty took place in 1966 when he enlisted in the US Army National Guard. Jon worked at Ford Motor Company from 1966-1968. During this time he had the rare opportunity to walk along the assembly line and help build his one-of-a-kind custom 1966 Mustang convertible, which he kept in immaculate condition for the rest of his life. In 1969 Jon joined the Dearborn Police Department, retiring as a detective in the late 1990’s. In 1983, Jon purchased lake front property near Forester, MI. In 2001, he completed work on his dream home, where he lived for over twenty years and regularly hosted family and friends for holiday gatherings and get-togethers. In 2011 Jon reconnected with Beverly Harder, a friend from junior high school. What ensued was twelve years of a shared love of travel. A boat cruise down the Rhine River took them to numerous countries in Europe while travel in the US landed them in Palm Desert, CA for the winters, Hawaii, Acadia National Park as well as Washington DC. Jon taught Beverly how to literally stop and smell the roses and embrace life’s moments at a leisurely pace. While Jon had no children of his own, he was a beloved uncle and great-uncle, known for his kindness and sense of humor. He and Beverly spent quality time with both sides of their blended families. Jon is survived by his wife, Beverly Harder of Rochester; sister Denise Lien of Carsonville, nephews David (Melissa) Ostertag, Donald (Amruti) Ostertag and Nick (Kaitlyn) Lien; niece Danielle (Michael) Shellabarger; sister-in-law Sue Ostertag; Beverly’s daughters Kimberly and Kristen, along with Kristen’s daughters Annika and Robyn, and many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by parents Oscar and Mildred Ostertag; brother Dale Ostertag and brother-in-law Rod Lien. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22 at the Pomeroy Funeral Home of Lexington. The Pastor Jeremy Dean will officiate. Burial will follow at the Downing Cemetery of Deckerville. Friends and family are invited to a luncheon following burial at the Deckerville Community Center. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 21 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sanilac County Humane Society.

Jon P. Ostertag

May 31, 1941 - November 16, 2023